der  Anlass

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈanlas/

🧐 What exactly is 'der Anlass'?

Der Anlass (noun, masculine) primarily describes two things in German:

• A specific event or occasion: Often something special that is celebrated or leads to a certain action. Example: Die Party war ein schöner Anlass, alte Freunde wiederzusehen. (The party was a nice occasion to see old friends again.)
• A reason or cause: Something that triggers a specific reaction, action, or state. Example: Sein unhöfliches Verhalten gab Anlass zur Beschwerde. (His rude behaviour gave cause for complaint.)

It's a very common word used to name the trigger or context for something. There is no article change with this word; it is always der Anlass.

📊 Grammar in Detail: Der Anlass

The noun "Anlass" is masculine. Here is its declension:

Example Sentences 📝

1. Der Geburtstag meiner Oma war ein freudiger Anlass für ein Familientreffen.
   (My grandma's birthday was a joyful occasion for a family reunion.)
2. Anlässlich des Anlasses wurde eine Rede gehalten.
   (On the occasion of the event, a speech was held. - often used with preposition 'anlässlich')
3. Aus gegebenem Anlass bleibt das Geschäft heute geschlossen.
   (For this specific reason / Due to current circumstances, the shop remains closed today. - common phrase 'aus gegebenem Anlass')
4. Wir suchen noch einen passenden Anlass, um das zu feiern.
   (We are still looking for a suitable occasion to celebrate this.)
5. Es gab verschiedene Anlässe für die Konferenz.
   (There were various reasons/occasions for the conference.)
6. Trotz der vielen Anlässe zur Freude, gab es auch Probleme.
   (Despite the many occasions for joy, there were also problems.)

💡 When to use 'der Anlass'?

'Der Anlass' is a versatile word used in both formal and informal contexts.

• Celebrations & Events: People often speak of a "festlicher Anlass" (festive occasion, e.g., wedding, anniversary) or a "trauriger Anlass" (sad occasion, e.g., funeral).
• Reason & Cause: Common phrases include "Anlass zur Sorge geben" (to give cause for concern), "Anlass zur Kritik geben" (to give cause for criticism), "etwas zum Anlass nehmen, um..." (to take something as an opportunity/reason to...), or "ohne besonderen Anlass" (without any special reason).
• Formal Communication: The phrase "Aus gegebenem Anlass" (literally: from the given occasion/reason) is often used in official announcements to refer to a current situation or event.

Distinction from similar words:

• Grund (reason): Emphasises the deeper cause or motivation more strongly. Der Anlass für die Party war sein Geburtstag (the occasion for the party was his birthday), der Grund war, dass er alle Freunde sehen wollte (the reason was that he wanted to see all his friends).
• Gelegenheit (opportunity): Highlights the possibility or chance to do something. Der Anlass bot eine gute Gelegenheit zum Netzwerken. (The occasion offered a good opportunity for networking.)
• Ereignis (event): Refers more generally to something that happens, without necessarily being a trigger. Der Anlass war ein wichtiges Ereignis. (The occasion was an important event.)

🧠 Mnemonics for 'der Anlass'

Article Mnemonic

Imagine a male LASSo champion (sounds like Anlass). He's 'der' champion, and his victory is 'der Anlass' for a party. (Masculine image -> 'der').

Meaning Mnemonic

'Anlass' sounds a bit like 'on last'. The 'last' straw might be the 'Anlass' (cause/reason) for an argument, or the party 'on last' Friday was a great 'Anlass' (occasion). It signifies the starting point or trigger.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar Sounding Words

• Der Erlass: decree, remission (e.g., of debt or punishment). Sounds similar but has a completely different meaning.
• Der Anhang: appendix, attachment (e.g., email attachment).

😂 A Little Joke

German: Fragt der Chef seinen neuen Mitarbeiter: "Nennen Sie mir drei Gründe, warum Sie hier arbeiten möchten!" Antwortet der Mitarbeiter: "Juni, Juli und August!"

English: The boss asks his new employee: "Give me three reasons why you want to work here!" The employee replies: "June, July, and August!"
(The 'Anlass'/reason for working here is... surprising!)

📜 Poem about 'Anlass'

German:
Ob Freudenfeste, groß und klein,
ob Sorge lässt uns traurig sein,
stets gibt's im Leben, hier und dort,
den Anlass – ja, das treffend' Wort.
Mal ist er Grund, mal nur Beginn,
treibt uns zu neuem Handeln hin.
Ein Startsignal, ein Augenblick,
der Anlass weist uns Weg und Glück.

English Translation:
Be it joyful feasts, large or small,
Or sorrow makes us sadly fall,
Always in life, here or there,
the 'Anlass' – yes, the fitting word to share.
Sometimes a reason, sometimes just start,
Drives us towards a brand new part.
A starting signal, a moment's flick,
The 'Anlass' shows us path and luck.

🧩 Little Riddle

German:
Ich bin der Grund, warum du feierst,
oder der Grund, warum du eiferst.
Ich kann ein Fest sein oder Streit,
bin Auslöser für Tätigkeit.
Man nimmt mich wahr, wenn etwas ist,
ob positiv, ob arge List.
Mit 'der' steh ich stets parat.
Wer bin ich? Rat' mal, Kamerad!

English Translation:
I am the reason why you celebrate,
Or the reason why you strive or hate.
I can be a party or a fight,
I trigger actions, day and night.
You notice me when something's there,
Whether positive or cunning snare.
With 'der' I'm always standing near.
Who am I? Guess now, my dear!

Solution: der Anlass

🤓 Additional Info

Word Origin

The word "Anlass" derives from the verb "anlassen", which originally meant something like 'to set in motion', 'to let begin'. This meaning of trigger or beginning has been preserved in the noun.

Compound Words

"Anlass" is part of several compound words:

• anlassbezogen: related to a specific occasion/reason
• Anlassfall: (Austrian German) a specific case that gives rise to something
• anlasslos: without apparent reason or cause